Farhan Momin oozed self-assurance on Wednesday’s episode of “MasterChef,” but the Midwestern University dental student ended up committing an error that landed him in hot water with the judges.

Momin and the 21 other contestants were tasked with breaking down a crab in 30 minutes. Momin finished the challenge a few minutes early, and the judges noted he was standing around instead of checking his work.

“We never stand still in any kitchen. I love you finishing on time, but not five minutes early,” judge Gordon Ramsay told Momin before finding a shell fragment among his crab meat.

Said Momin: “My heart sinks to my stomach. As a medical professional, I’m trying to make people healthy, so for him to tell me that this potentially could harm someone or send them to the hospital, is just terrifying to me.”

Thirteen contestants — including South Loop resident Julia Danno — met the judges’ standards and did not have to compete in the elimination round. Momin and the eight other remaining contestants were required to re-create Ramsay’s crab benedict dish in 30 minutes.

Momin, a Georgia native who now lives in Downers Grove, said he was embarrassed by his lack of attention to detail in the first round and tried to redeem himself in the elimination round. Ramsay said Momin topped his benedict with too much paprika.

“You got all of your basics done beautifully, but the simplest thing you’ve done wrong,” Ramsay said. “Too heavy-handed on the spice. I know you’re a spice boy and I get all that, but you know, you’re cooking for the judges and you’re cooking for survival.”

Momin advanced to the next round, while New Jersey bartender Stephanie Willis and South Carolina bus driver Olusola Ogbomo were sent home. Twenty home cooks remain on Season 9 of “MasterChef,” which airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on Fox. The show winner is slated to receive $250,000.